Proper body mechanics allow your body to be used in an efficient, deliberate, and safe way. By using good posture, balance, and the largest and strongest muscles in your body - it will allow you to work without stressing or causing fatigue to your own body. You don't want to help your horse feel better in his body while making you feel worse in yours.

Please take some time to learn more about Proper Body Mechanics by reading the following pages:

• Leverage and Leaning

• Body Mechanic Tips to use During an Equine Therapy Session

Learning proper body mechanics takes time and practice. Do not be discouraged if it seems difficult at first. Before long it will become second nature.

The biggest thing to remember is - if at any time you feel tense or uncomfortable, you need to change what you are doing.

It is not uncommon to get involved in helping your horse and not paying enough attention to your own body. I caution you to not do this. You may not feel too bad at the time, but you might feel it later. Or, you may get a repetitive strain problem down the road.

It is like what they say about giving yourself oxygen on the plane - first - before helping your child. If you don't take care of yourself, you can't help someone else.

So, be sure to pay attention to your own body while working with your horse. Your body and your horse will thank you.